SLU Spring 2026 Commencement Events Kick Off Wednesday
Saint Louis University will celebrate the accomplishments of graduates with the spring 2026 commencement ceremony, preceded by in-person precommencements for each individual college and school.
Commencement events will kick off Wednesday, May 13, with the first round of precommencement ceremonies.
Commencement Details
Saint Louis University's spring commencement ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, in Chaifetz Arena. The event will also be livestreamed on slu.edu and archived on SLU's official YouTube channel.
Celebrated filmmaker James Gunn (A&S ’92) will return to his alma mater, Saint Louis University, to deliver the commencement address for the University’s 2026 spring commencement ceremony.
A visionary writer, director and producer, Gunn is best known for his work on films including 2025's "Superman" and the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise, as well as the Emmy-nominated television series "Peacemaker" he created for HBO Max.
Gunn credits his time at Saint Louis University as foundational to his creative development. As a SLU student, he found his passion for storytelling in the classroom, an experience he has described as the beginning of his career.
Born and raised in St. Louis, James Gunn began his career at age 12 by making a zombie movie with an eight-millimeter camera. He rose to global prominence with the "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy, which grossed a combined $2.4 billion worldwide and was widely praised for its emotional storytelling, distinctive humor and themes of found family.
Most recently, Gunn wrote and directed "Superman," which grossed over $618 million at the global box office and received rave reviews from both fans and critics, who have praised its celebration of humanity and kindness in a world that sometimes forgets to value such traits. He is currently developing the film's sequel, which is slated for release in 2027.
In addition to Gunn's address during the commencement ceremony, Saint Louis University will confer honorary degrees upon him and three other distinguished SLU alums, J. Joe Adorjan, Judge Henry Autrey and Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, for their significant contributions to the arts, business, law and medicine.
Precommencement Ceremonies
Before the main commencement ceremony, individual schools and colleges will host their own precommencement ceremonies. Those ceremonies give spring graduates a chance to walk across the stage and be recognized.
Precommencement ceremonies kick off on Wednesday, May 13, and will run through Friday, May 15.
A complete schedule of precommencement ceremonies can be found on the commencement webpage. Links to the livestreams can be found on the same page.
Baccalaureate Mass
Saint Louis University will celebrate, bless, and mission our graduating seniors at its traditional Baccalaureate Mass. This year’s liturgy will take place at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at Saint Francis Xavier College Church.
All are welcome to attend.